“I’m Batman”, Part IV

…And we’re back.
Here at the final part of the Batman gaming retrospective. Let’s dive right into the next few Batman games, but I’m going to be tackling them slightly differently.
As we have 2 separate series coming up but both series with 3 games each. I’m going to do each series as a trilogy this time around.

Who would have thought some of the best and most fun Batman games would come from LEGO? Well it’s true.
The LEGO games had already been around for a while with LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Indiana Jones, etc. So why not Batman too?

These games are infamous for their huge roster of characters, both heroes, villains and even vehicles each with their own special abilities. Explorable levels, humor, puzzles and overall just plain old fun gameplay.
Each one of the trilogy has been highly praised with favourable reviews for all 3 titles.

Seriously, if you’ve never played any of these games…go and do it now. Get all 3 as they are great fun.
With some very funny cutscenes and dialogue, plenty of replay value, 100’s of collectables and a great Co-Op mode. There’s so much crammed into each of these games it’s amazing. From 100’s of characters, to hidden extras and missions…including bringing back Adam West as Batman in a 1960’s Batman inspired mission.
They just remind me of old timey games when gaming used to be fun.

From the silliness and fun of LEGO we go into the next trilogy with a much more serious and darker tone.

Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batman: Arkham City and Batman: Arkham Origins: With Asylum and City being developed by Rocksteady Studios while Origins was developed by Warner Bros. Games Montréal. All three games were published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and released in 2009, 2011 and 2013 respectively. Covering multiple formats including; Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U and Xbox 360.

Said to be the defining Batman games and the one series that really makes you feel like you are Batman. Multi award winning, and selling millions upon millions of copies around the world. The Arkham series was actually a surprise hit when the first game was released.
No one was really expecting too much when Batman: Arkham Asylum was first announced and shown. But it became the big hit game of 2009 making Game Of The Year and winning various other gaming awards.

The Arkham series has gone on to massive critical acclaim from both gaming press and gamers. With rich and varied gameplay, a roster of great characters, unbelievably awesome combat that is easy to do but hard to master, collectables galore, in jokes and references to some of Batman’s illustrious life in the comics.

This series really is the pinnacle of the Batman games so far, and even though Origins is often thought of as being the bastard son of the franchise…it’s still a damn fine Batman game overall.

The series has always treated the comic book source and it’s fans with respect…yes even Origins.
The developers are clearly big Batman fans and stuff the games with plenty of references and things to find. As well as hiring comic book talent like veteran Batman writer, Paul Dini. Along with Batman voice actors from various projects like; Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill and Arleen Sorkin.

These games just ooze atmosphere and gameplay, as well as compelling and well told stories. Using Batman to the best of his abilities from free flowing combat, detective work and even stealth elements.
The Arkham series is highly praised and rightly so too. Again, just with the LEGO series, if you have not played these games yet, go get them now.

That just about wraps up my retrospective look at Batman in gaming. From the simplicity of the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 days, right up to modern day with the Playstation 4 and Xbox One.
Batman has been a part of gaming for almost as long as gaming has been around itself.

I know I didn’t cover every game and there are quite a few I missed out. But please, feel free to add some of your Batman gaming memories in the comments below.